Knife-Wielding Shoplifter Fatally Shot After Charging At Texas Security Officer

Credit: KVUE

A security officer was involved in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding shoplifting suspect at the H-E-B grocery store located at 500 Canyon Ridge Drive in northeast Austin on Friday, according to statements from Austin Police and H-E-B officials.

The Austin Police Department (APD) reported that officers initially responded to a trespassing call at the store. While en route, 911 dispatchers received multiple reports of a shooting at the location. One caller told 911 that a person was attempting to shoplift and had lunged at the security guard with a knife.

According to the APD, the security officer initially tried to use a stun gun to subdue the man, later identified as 32-year-old Michael Rosario. The stun gun was ineffective, and Rosario reportedly charged at the armed security officer with a knife while using a tire hubcap as a shield. The security officer then fired at Rosario, resulting in his death despite attempted lifesaving efforts.

Police detained a person for questioning but have not publicly identified the security officer involved, as no charges have been filed. According to a report by KXAN, the armed security guard is employed by Allied Universal Security.

“As the world’s leading security and facility services company, Allied Universal is dedicated to helping keep our clients and their customers safe. We are aware of the incident and cooperating with local authorities. Since this is an active investigation, we ask that all further questions be referred to the Austin Police Department,” the statement by Allied Universal obtained by KXAN read.